Epa Ends Voluntary Ghg Program

EPA is terminating Climate Leaders, a voluntary initiative launched in 2002. CalPortland, Lafarge North America, Holcim, and Aggregate Industries, along with Mack Trucks, Navistar and other participants from a broad range of businesses, set goals to reduce greenhouse gas based on corporate-wide emissions inventory. As Climate Leaders services are phased out over the coming year, EPA is encouraging participating companies to transition to similar state or nongovernmental programs.

Factoring into the decision are numerous regulatory and voluntary-program developments that address GHG emissions. Among these, EPA cites the first-ever mandatory reporting rule--that took effect in January--for large-volume generators, plus robust climate programs offered by states and nongovernmental organizations. Agency officials see the transition from Climate Leaders allowing resource realignment to better assist companies in benefiting from emissions data collected under the Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program, which promotes exchange and application of best practices and innovative technologies.